Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux split: time apart took a toll on their relationship

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux's split has come to a shock to some, but according to sources their were signs their relationship was leading to a break up.

The pair announced they decided to end their relationship at the end of last year, after two years of marriage and over seven as a couple, in a joint statement today.

“Normally we would do this privately, but given that the gossip industry cannot resist an opportunity to speculate and invent, we wanted to convey the truth directly,” said a statement released by Aniston's publicist to the Associated Press.

“Whatever else is printed about us that is not directly from us, is someone else’s fictional narrative. Above all, we are determined to maintain the deep respect and love that we have for one another.”

Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston

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Over the years, the couple have spent frequent time apart, with Theroux constantly travelling to New York whilst Aniston stayed in Los Angeles with her close circle of friends.

Both have also been keeping busy professionally, with the formerFriendsstar working on a new TV series with Reese Witherspoon and Theroux filming comedy movieThe Spy Who Dumped Me.

However, sources tellPEOPLEthat their time apart used to be a strength of their relationship.

“Justin often spends a few days in NYC by himself. When he is in NYC, Jen will catch up with friends and enjoys her own life,” a source told PEOPLE.

Another added, “They love and respect each other and do spend a lot of time apart. For them, it is a healthy part of their romance. By not spending every minute together, it’s like their honeymoon is lasting longer.”